Understanding gynecologic cancers is crucial for every woman, regardless of age. While breast cancer often takes the spotlight, recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancers that can affect your reproductive organs is equally important. Whether you’re in your teens or well past menopause, this knowledge is key to maintaining your health.
“With early detection, gynecologic cancers are often treatable,” says Dr. Eve Ashby, FACOOG, at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care. “Having an annual well-woman exam, knowing your risk factors and recognizing the signs can help detect gynecologic cancer before it spreads.”
5 Common Types of Gynecologic Cancer
Gynecologic cancers are rare, but the most common types include:
- Cervical cancer. This cancer starts in cells on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb), which connects to the vagina. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
- Ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer may start in one of three places: the ovaries, where female hormones and eggs are made; the fallopian tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus; or in surrounding tissue called the peritoneum.
- Uterine cancer. This type of cancer starts in uterine cells. If the cancer first grows in the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, it’s called endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer is the most common form of gynecologic cancer.
- Vaginal cancer. Vaginal cancer initially grows in cells in the vagina, which connects to the cervix and the external female genitals, or vulva. It’s the least common form of the disease.
- Vulvar cancer. This cancer starts in the external female genitalia.
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The Challenges of Screening for Gynecologic Cancer
Gynecologic cancers can be difficult to identify because screenings exist for only one type: cervical cancer. Fortunately, cervical cancer screenings — Pap tests and HPV tests — can identify this cancer early.
A Pap test detects cancerous or precancerous cells in the cervix, while an HPV test checks for HPV. Both tests are done the same way. During the screening, a health care provider collects a cell sample from the cervix with a small brush or cotton swab. Then, the samples are examined in a lab.
For other types of gynecologic cancer, the best ways to detect cancer early are to have an annual well-woman exam and know what symptoms may point to cancer.
Preventing Gynecologic Cancer
There’s no known method to prevent ovarian or uterine cancers, but you can take steps to help avoid them. For example, the risk for both cancers goes down if you use birth control pills for an extended time. If you take estrogen hormone replacement therapy, also taking progesterone may help you avoid uterine cancer. Still, other factors outside your control, such as family history, may increase your risk. Your health care provider can offer more information on avoiding gynecologic cancers based on your risk factors.
Because the HPV virus causes many cases of cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers, an HPV vaccine can protect against many of these cancers. This vaccine is recommended for people ages 11 to 26. If you’re 27 through 45 years and are not vaccinated, talk with your health care provider to determine if the HPV vaccine is a good option for you.
“When it comes to gynecologic cancer, getting an HPV vaccine is an easy and effective way to protect your health,” Dr. Ashby says. “However, it isn’t effective if you’ve already had an HPV infection. That’s why it’s crucial to get a vaccine at a young age, before you’ve had any exposure to the virus.”
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Signs to Watch Out For
Symptoms of gynecologic cancer depend on the type of cancer and often vary from person to person. They can also overlap with symptoms of other health conditions.
Some possible signs of cervical, ovarian, uterine or vaginal cancers include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding or spotting after menopause or between periods
- Constipation
- Difficulty eating or feeling full soon after eating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Heavier than normal periods
- Pain in the abdomen, back or pelvis
- Periods that last longer than usual
- Pressure in the pelvis
- Unusual vaginal discharge
Vulvar cancer may cause burning, itching, pain or tenderness of the vulva. Changes in skin color that may look like rashes, sores or growths can also be signs of cancer.
Without testing, there’s no definitive way to know if these signs are due to cancer. If you have symptoms of gynecologic cancer for more than two weeks, it’s time to see a gynecologist.
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Listen to Your Body
In addition to your annual well-woman exam, listening to your body and knowing what’s normal for you can help detect gynecologic cancer early.
“Most people aren’t experts in gynecologic cancer, but every woman is an expert in her own body. If you notice changes that are unusual for you or something just feels off, talk with your health care provider," Dr. Ashby says. “Very often, symptoms of gynecologic cancers whisper, and don’t shout. Don’t try to talk yourself out of getting a test because your symptom is mild. Typically, an ultrasound is all you’ll need to detect many of these cancers. However, a pelvic exam is a great place to start if you are having symptoms.”
Is it time for your annual well-woman visit? Request an appointment with a Beaufort Memorial women’s health provider.